NCS Deploys Automation to Sanitize Licences, Permits System

NCS Deploys Automation to Sanitize Licences, Permits System

JOEL OLADELE

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rolled out a fully automated system for the processing of licences and permits as part of efforts to sanitize the system, curb fraudulent practices and enhance revenue generation.

The Comptroller, Licences and Permit Unit, Comptroller Ngozika Anozie, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the automation of licences and permits held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.

She described the initiative as another significant milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive anchored on innovation, consolidation and collaboration.

According to her, the automation of the process of acquiring and renewing licences and permits aligns with global best practices and reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs to reposition the Service for greater efficiency and transparency.

“Automation will minimise, if not eradicate, fraudulent practices in the system. Every document uploaded during the application process will be automatically rejected if fake and accepted if genuine. This will help us sanitize the system and ensure compliance,” she said.

Anozie explained that under the new regime, importers, clearing and forwarding agents can now initiate and complete applications from the comfort of their homes or offices, eliminating the need for physical visits to Customs offices or headquarters.

She noted that the development would significantly reduce the cost of doing business, as stakeholders would no longer incur travel, accommodation and related expenses in the course of processing licences and permits.

The Comptroller added that officers of the Licences and Permits Unit and bond seat officers across Commands would also benefit from the digital transition, as the era of moving bulky files from desk to desk would give way to seamless electronic processing.

“Time na money. With automation, stakeholders can channel the time previously spent moving from one Command to another into expanding their businesses. At the same time, officers will achieve greater productivity with improved output,” she stated.

Anozie further revealed that the system would enable the Unit to view company assessments through the B’Odogwu platform to confirm that applicants do not have unpaid assessments pending before fresh licences or renewals are granted.

She stressed that the automation would ultimately enhance the statutory revenue generation mandate of the Service, since every processed licence or permit attracts government fees and facilitates legitimate import transactions.

In his keynote address, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Mohammed B., described the sensitisation programme as the beginning of a new chapter in the Service’s engagement with stakeholders.

He said the full automation approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs was a direct response to long-standing concerns over manual processes, paperwork and delays.

“For many years, stakeholders have had to deal with paperwork, long queues and the uncertainty that comes with manual processing. Those days are coming to an end,” he said.

Mohammed noted that the sensitisation exercise was being conducted across all Zones to ensure that stakeholders understand the workings of the automated system before full implementation.

He explained that beyond eliminating fraud risks associated with manual documentation, the system would enable applicants to track their submissions in real time and ensure that the process is fair, consistent and less prone to errors.

“For the Service, automation means better record keeping, easier supervision and the ability to serve more stakeholders at once without increasing the burden on our officers,” he added.

While acknowledging that change may initially be uncomfortable, he assured participants that officers of the Licences and Permits Unit would provide step-by-step guidance, supported by handbooks and instructional materials to facilitate a smooth transition.

He urged stakeholders to embrace the initiative and share the information widely, especially within trade associations, noting that Zone ‘A’, which covers Lagos as the nation’s commercial hub, handles enormous trade volumes that demand efficient systems.

The automation of licences and permits forms part of the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service aimed at strengthening transparency, improving ease of doing business and safeguarding government revenue.